Return to Summerfield

By Dianne H. Lundy

The ladies of Summerfield are back with new and exciting stories. Luci Carlito Clark returns to Summerfield after learning her "Mr. Perfect might not be as perfect as she believed when she left Summerfield after marrying him twelve years ago. Her return results in confusion, excitement, and danger as she deals with both her husband and a former

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primix Publishing
• Release date: Jun 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957676494

Dianne H. Lundy

Dianne H. Lundy, a Louisiana native, always had a talent for writing and received the Departmental Award in English upon graduation from high school. She attended Harding University in Arkansas, receiving a B.S. degree. She went on to teach for thirty-three years, also earning two graduate degrees in education. She met her husband, Richard, on the ham radio. They married and had one son, Jonathan, who is now married with three young daughters. After retiring, she now teaches English online with the World English Institute and serves as chairperson of Come Write In, a writers' group at the local library. She was named A Special Daughter of the State of Louisiana and an Ambassador of Good Will for the State by Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019.

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© 2023 Dianne H. Lundy. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

*Cover Quietude by Hooshang Khorasani, [e-mail].

(used by permission)

Published by Primix Publishing 06/14/2023

ISBN: 978-1-957676-48-7(sc)

ISBN: 978-1-957676-49-4(e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023909960

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by iStock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

The Return

Luci’s Story, Part 2

Smooth Sailing

Regenia’s Story

Springtime in Summerfield

Lagniappe

Favorite Family Recipes

Other Books by Dianne H. Lundy

The Girl from Nip ’n’ Tuck (autobiography)

Summerfield Series:

*Summerfield

*Return to Summerfield

**The Billy Allgood Story

**Property of Louisiana Christian University

Available through https://bookstore.lcuniversity.edu

My Novel Critique Group

Pictured left to right: Dianne H. Lundy, Norma Franklin, Debbie Hancock, and Rebecca Jemerson.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the ladies in my novel critique group, Norma, Debbie, and Rebecca, who helped me immensely with their patience and feedback as I progressed through the writing of these stories.

Part I

Introduction

Return to Summerfield

The ladies of Summerfield are back with new and exciting stories with some familiar faces and some new ones. Follow them on their journeys as their lives change from unexpected events that lead them to making some crucial decisions that affect, not only them, but also other members of their families and some of their friends as well. Enjoy the emerging characters who hold the promise of even further adventures as life in Summerfield progresses through the years.

Part II

The Return

Luci’s Story, Part 2

The Return

Jeremy Clark unlocked the front door of his house and stepped inside. It was totally dark, and he was greeted by a heavy silence. What is going on? he wondered. Luci hadn’t mentioned going anywhere. He was expecting her and the children to be home. He was returning from a trip to Washington, D. C., where he had received an award as Outstanding Young Businessman of the Year. It had been quite an honor, and he had wanted his wife by his side when he accepted the award. She had been unable to attend due to a pressing case in the law firm where she was employed, so he had taken his secretary, Belinda Hargrove, instead.

His original plan had been to return home the same night as the awards banquet, but their plane had been delayed due to inclement weather, so they had to take a later flight. Now here he was, holding his suitcase in one hand and his trophy in the other, but there was nobody to show the trophy to. He turned on the hall light and set the suitcase on the floor, placing the trophy on the table near the entrance, thinking the family could see it later.

He walked down the hall and into the kitchen in the mood for a beer or at least something cold to drink. As he flipped on the light, something in the middle of the table caught his eye. He walked to the refrigerator, opened the door, and removed a beer, twisting off the cap as he headed towards the table. That’s when he saw it—a picture of himself and Belinda plastered on the front page of a tabloid. He set the beer down quickly and picked up the paper, unable to believe what he was seeing.

He remembered it all now. He had been so enthused about the award he had hugged Belinda and kissed her on the cheek just before he went up to accept the trophy. He had seen a flash going off. Then all he could see was spots until he caught sight of one of the paparazzi heading out the back door. If he could have caught the little weasel, he would have wrung his neck, but the guy was too fast. Besides, he was stuck in front of the audience, making an acceptance speech.

He had put the incident out of his mind until now, and now it was too late. Luci had evidently seen the picture, and that explained why she and the children were gone. There was no note, just the picture in the middle of the table. That was enough of a message. She didn’t have to spell it out for him.

He began mentally kicking himself for letting it happen. When Luci had informed him she wouldn’t be able to accompany him on the trip, the first person he had turned to had been his mom, Maude, but she, too, had begged off because she was fighting a cold. The two tickets had already been ordered and paid for, so he opted to take Belinda, reasoning that a day away from the office would do her good. They hadn’t planned to stay overnight, so there didn’t seem to be any harm in having her come along. The problem had started when their flight had been delayed, and he had to scrounge around for hotel rooms. Of course, they had occupied separate rooms, but Luci had no way of knowing that. Nevertheless, she should have trusted him, he reasoned. He had never cheated on her and he wasn’t about to start now. Luci was the love of his life, the only woman he wanted.

Blast the paparazzi! There was no telling how many marriages they had ruined with their rush to get pictures and be the first to have them published, regardless of the circumstances. Getting the picture printed in the paper the next day was a record, even for them. Furthermore, how did Luci get a copy of it so fast? She never read the tabloids. In fact, she hated them. Did somebody send her the picture? Who was taking such an interest in his affairs? What really happened? he wondered.

It wasn’t the first time he had been photographed with a beautiful woman other than his wife, and it wouldn’t be the last. At first, it had been just the regular newspapers because the Clark name was recognized internationally due to his father’s business dealings. But when he had taken over the reins of the company, being a young, handsome businessman who seemed to attract women wherever he went, the tabloids had circled around him. His brief fling with a socialite who was well known in the upper crust of the New York society had not helped matters. There had been rumors and more rumors, but he had always convinced Luci that’s all they were, and she had always forgiven him. This time it was different. This time it was a woman he worked closely with every day.

He and Belinda were just friends, nothing more. She was engaged to her college sweetheart, and the wedding was just a few months away. He had promised to give her away, as her parents were deceased, and she had no close relatives. Hardly a day had passed when he hadn’t heard something about the wedding plans. It was all Belinda could talk about. He had listened patiently, nodding in all the right places, but with his mind sometimes a million miles away.

Well, it was too late to do anything about the situation tonight. He didn’t know where Luci and the children had gone, but he would bet his fortune she had headed straight for Summerfield and her parents’ home. He wasn’t going to upset the whole family tonight, but he and Luci were going to have it out tomorrow. Whether by phone or in person, he hadn’t decided, but one way or another he was going to contact his wife and he was going to get her back!

Luci Carlito Clark set her bags down in the foyer of her parents’ home and glanced around her surroundings, marveling at how little had changed since she had moved away twelve years ago following her marriage to Jeremy Clark. Their wedding day had been one of the happiest days of her life, yet here she was, walking out on Jeremy and returning to her Italian roots. How could things have gone so wrong? she wondered as she blinked back the tears.

She glanced down at her left hand, her ring finger now empty. She had removed both her engagement and wedding rings, storing them in their original boxes that were tucked into their house safe back in New York. She simply could not and would not wear them now. Not after what had happened.

Her two children, Brian and Jennifer, had run ahead to the kitchen, following their noses as the delicious smell of teacakes drifted into the rest of the house. Her mother, Rosa, was an excellent cook whose food was usually gobbled up quickly by anyone who happened to be in the vicinity whenever it was on the table. Never in Luci’s thirty-three years had she known her mother to produce a dish that wasn’t mouth-watering.

Her train of thought was interrupted as the two children ran back into the room, each clutching a cookie and smiling broadly. Their Grandma Rosa was one of their favorite people. They didn’t know why they were suddenly coming to visit her when it wasn’t even Christmas, but it didn’t really matter because they always had so much fun at her house.

Mama, Mama, look what Grandma gave us, they yelled in unison.

Oh, teacakes! They’re my favorite, too, she exclaimed, trying not to let her depression rub off on the children.

Mama Rosa followed the children into the room, her eyes questioning Luci, but she wisely held her questions for later when the children would be otherwise occupied. She had known they were coming because Luci had phoned ahead. The call had been brief, but she could tell by Luci’s voice something was wrong. Very wrong. It would take some time to get the whole story, but she knew eventually the truth would come out. Luci had always been honest with her parents, and she wasn’t about to start lying to them now. Of that Mama was certain.

Luci, it’s so good to see you again, Mama exclaimed as she hugged her daughter gently. Let me help you take your luggage upstairs.

No, Mama. They’re too heavy for you. I can manage, Luci assured her.

Will you be staying for long? Mama inquired.

I don’t know right now. I’m thinking of moving back here and setting up my own law practice, Luci responded as she began to manipulate the heavy bags upstairs.

Your own law practice? What about the firm in New York? Mama Rosa called out after her as Luci topped the stairs and disappeared into her former bedroom.

I can’t talk about it right now. I’ll take my bedroom, and the children can sleep in Anthony’s old room, if that’s okay with you, Luci yelled as she disappeared from sight, her voice fading in the process.

Mama Rosa stared at the empty space at the top of the stairs. Her instincts had been right. Something had gone awry between Luci and Jeremy, but what? It was going to take some time to get the information out of her daughter. Luci could be stubborn at times, and this appeared to be one of them. Mama was fully prepared to bide her time until the whole story was revealed. No matter what had happened, she wasn’t about to stand by and let Luci make the biggest mistake of her life. There was no doubt in her mind that Luci and Jeremy belonged together.

She shook her head and waved her hands, muttering in Italian as she began walking back to the kitchen after peeking into the living room to assure herself that the two grandchildren had settled in front of the TV. Luci had come home to her parents in a silent plea for help. Mama Rosa didn’t know what she could do to help her daughter, but right now it was time for some comfort food. That’s what she would prepare tonight—Luci’s favorite dish, spaghetti and meatballs. Everybody always felt better after a good meal, and a good meal was what they all needed.

Dinner that night was a far cry from the usual camaraderie that was so typical of the Carlito table. Papa D’Armon had come home in a jovial mood, delighted to see his daughter and grandchildren for an unexpected visit. His happiness had been short-lived, though, quashed by a frown Mama had tossed his way. He had soon realized there was more to the story than met the eye. Luci’s coming home without Jeremy meant something was amiss. Mama had kept the details of Luci’s phone call to herself, preferring to wait until her daughter arrived to find out the real source of the problem.

So, the adults sat at the table in their usual places, eating quietly, each lost in their own thoughts. The children, unaware of any impending crisis, chattered continuously, breaking the silence that hung over the room like a heavy blanket. They quickly gobbled up their portion of the spaghetti and meatballs and asked for seconds, a request that brought a smile to Mama’s face. She always enjoyed watching people consume the food she had prepared. Problems cannot be solved on an empty stomach, she often told the family.

Luci pushed her food around on her plate, eating only a few bites. Not even Mama’s offer of apple pie for dessert could tempt her this time. The wounds went too deep. All she could think about was Jeremy and his betrayal. Only extraordinary self-control kept her from bursting into tears.

Her parents knew her every mood. The expression on her face spoke volumes. Luci was both troubled and in trouble. Whatever it was, Jeremy was involved. Jeremy, the man they had accepted into their family and loved like a son. He was the cause of their daughter’s unhappiness, but exactly what had brought on the crisis was unclear.

Luci had never complained about her marriage. It had seemed to be an ideal union that had produced two wonderful grandchildren. Both Jeremy and Luci had established themselves in successful careers. As far as the Carlitos could tell, everything had been running smoothly. What had gone so wrong that Luci had come running home to her parents? They were restless, anxious to learn the whole story whenever they got Luci alone, hopefully as soon as the children were in bed.

The meal ended abruptly as the children polished off their slices of the apple pie, excused themselves, and jumped up from the table, running back into the living room to watch TV. Luci offered to help with the dishes, but Mama declined, insisting that Luci needed to rest after her long trip.

Papa went into the living room and settled in his easy chair to read the paper, while the children lounged in front of the TV. He smiled as he watched them arguing over who would be in charge of the remote control. It was good to have young voices in the household again. He didn’t see enough of his grandchildren, he decided.

Luci appeared in the doorway and announced it was bath time for the children. A dispute then ensued as to who would be the first to miss part of their favorite TV program. Jennifer, being the youngest, was the loser, and she reluctantly followed Luci upstairs and down the hall towards the bathroom.

Brian’s triumph was fleeting, however, because Jennifer reappeared in less than thirty minutes, decked out in her pajamas and bathrobe. She stuck her tongue out at her brother as she skipped into the room. He moaned as Luci entered the room behind her daughter.

Okay, young man, you’re next. Upstairs now. Your bath awaits.

Aw, mom, do I have to? he protested.

Yes. No arguments. Hurry up and then Papa D’Armon will tell you a bedtime story.

The last statement was all it took to get Brian up and moving. Bath time was no longer a problem, Luci noted. Papa D’Armon was a master storyteller, and the stories of his childhood in the old country were eagerly anticipated by the whole family—the same stories she and her brother, Anthony, had listened to when they were growing up.

Less than an hour later, with the dishes washed and both children in their pajamas and bathrobes, the whole family gathered in the living room to listen to one of Papa’s stories. Luci had turned down the lights, and Papa had lit a fire in the fireplace. The children settled down in front of Papa’s chair, while Mama sat on the couch with her knitting. Luci nestled in another large chair, legs tucked underneath her. It was just like old times, she reflected.

She leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes as Papa began his story. She felt her body relax as she was transported back to Papa’s childhood days. It was the first time she had forgotten about her current marriage problems since her initial glimpse of that picture of Jeremy and Belinda on the front page of a tabloid. Papa’s voice droned on as the story unwound, having an almost hypnotic effect on everyone listening.

Soon the children were nodding, and Luci could barely keep her eyes open. She snapped back to reality as the hall clock chimed the hour—9:00 p.m. Mama was smiling at the children as she worked on her latest knitting project, her favorite pastime besides cooking. Mama and Papa exchanged glances, happy that their grandchildren and Luci were back under their roof, no matter what circumstances had brought them there. It was an act that did not escape Luci’s attention, although she knew they were dying to know why she and the children were suddenly back home without Jeremy.

She roused out of her stupor, realizing she was still a mother and there was work to do.

Okay, children, time for bed. Give Mama Rosa and Papa D’Armon a goodnight kiss and I’ll tuck you in.

The children offered little resistance this time, rubbing their eyes as they rolled to their feet, obediently shuffling over to produce the goodnight kisses for the grandparents. Luci rose from the chair and began to follow them upstairs, glancing at her parents as she climbed towards the top step.

I think I’ll just take my bath and go to bed, she told them. We’ll talk tomorrow. I promise.

A long soak in a hot bath proved relaxing, and Luci thought she was headed for a peaceful night’s slumber until her head hit the pillow. Then it all came back to her—the tabloid photo, the rumors of Jeremy’s cheating over the years, her doubting him, their arguments about other women. Suddenly, she was wide awake.

She couldn’t get the tabloid photo out of her mind. She had been headed out to get the morning paper when she saw it lying beneath the mail slot in the front door, all neatly folded with the photo on top. Somebody had put it there, but who? Why was it so important that she see that particular photo? She had seen plenty of pictures of Jeremy with other women, but it was always business. Was something really going on between him and Belinda, a girl much younger than he was? Why did it bother her so much?

All she could do was toss and turn. She couldn’t remember spending such a sleepless night since the time Jeremy had proposed to her and she had promised to give him an answer the following morning. Well, that and the first night of their honeymoon. That was a night to remember, also, she thought regretfully as she fluffed her pillow for the umpteenth time, hoping to induce the much-needed sleep.

The sandman never came, and Luci was still wide awake at 7:00 a.m. when her cell phone, which she had placed on the nightstand beside her bed, began ringing incessantly. She didn’t have to look to know who the caller was. She knew there was no way Jeremy was letting her go without a fight, but she was prepared to do battle. If she couldn’t live with him, she was going to start over and build a life for herself and her children back in her hometown of Summerfield She had been formulating the idea in her head ever since boarding the plane from New York. She was licensed to practice law in her home state, so setting up a law office wouldn’t be too hard to do. Besides that, she still had connections in the community. Many of her friends and acquaintances from high school and college still lived in Summerfield or in neighboring towns. Once word got around, she would be sure to get some clients. In fact, practicing law in a small town might prove to be more interesting than working for the big law firm in New York.

The phone continued to ring to the point where she could not ignore it. Although she had set it to go to voicemail, Jeremy was evidently ignoring that feature and continually hitting the redial button. The only way to stop the calls was either to answer the phone or shut it off. She might as well answer it and get the showdown over with.

Hello, she spoke reluctantly as she took the call.

Luci, where are you? She didn’t need Caller I. D. She would recognize Jeremy’s voice anywhere, anytime.

I’m in Summerfield at Mama and Papa’s house.

Luci, I found the picture you left behind. You didn’t give me a chance to explain.

Explain? That’s what you’ve been doing for the past twelve years, explaining why you were with all those other women.

And you always believed me. I told you I never cheated on you.

Jeremy, honestly, I don’t know what to think anymore. It seems every time I turn around it’s either a picture of you and another woman in the news or else I’m hearing some kind of rumor about you having an affair.

Just because there are rumors doesn’t mean it’s true. You know how the media loves to sensationalize everything, especially the tabloids.

Still, I need some time to think. Jeremy, I’m going to stay in Summerfield for the time being.

Luci, you can’t do that. I love you. I want you and Brian and Jennifer with me in New York.